At the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: UNFCCC COP28 Dubai, from November 30 to December 12, 2023, our Sea Save team attended virtually, monitoring the dynamics shaping negotiations. We observed petrochemical nations exerting outsized influence and flagged concerns about the host country’s deep ties to the plastics industry—raising questions about conflicts of interest. Through real-time reporting, Sea Save served as watchdog, bearing witness to fairness in proceedings while building alliances that will support future climate action. By documenting and amplifying these dynamics beyond the negotiation halls, we reinforced our role as advocate, ensuring that transparency and accountability remain at the heart of the global climate dialogue.